Montenegro also has its own Niagara Falls! All this thanks to the Cijevna river!

Wonders are indeed all around us, wherever you look across the Adriatic. No matter which country you choose to visit next, you’ll discover something intriguing in every city, village, mountain, or random ditch. One such fascination is a river that flows from the Tamare Gorge in Albania to Podgorica in Montenegro, where it ultimately merges with another river.

Cijevna River, also known as the Cem River in Albania, is a stunningly clear river that spans 59 kilometers, winding its way through limestone terrain with numerous karstic formations across two countries.

Cijevna river, Photo: Miomir Magdevski, CC BY-SA 4.0

The river travels precisely 27 kilometers through Albania, predominantly within a challenging-to-reach gorge. The remaining 32 kilometers wind through Montenegro, coursing through narrow valleys and steep canyons near Podgorica, forming waterfalls before reaching the Morača River.

The basin and canyon of the Cijevna River (Cem River) have been inhabited since 3500 BC by many Albanian and Illyrian tribes, most probably due to its high biodiversity. It is rich in many plants, animals, and over 22 different fish species, of which the marble trout is the most prevalent.

Today, it is one of the last free-flowing rivers in Europe and one of the least polluted rivers in Albania and Montenegro.

Cijevna river,  Photo: Miomir Magdevski, CC BY-SA 4.0

Besides its cleanliness and gorgeous canyon, Cijevna’s biggest attraction is the Cijevna waterfalls, also locally known as the Montenegrin Niagara Falls. Located just a 10-minute drive from the city center of Podgorica, in Rakića Kuće village, it has become an attractive location for both locals and tourists throughout the year.

Although they are most impressive during March and April, many locals find them more enjoyable during the summer months as they become a popular swimming and refreshment spot.

Cijevna River, Podgorica, Photo: Pierre Metivier CC BY-NC 2.0 DEED

What’s interesting about these waterfalls, especially in late summer, mostly by the end of August, is that the falls completely dry out. The reason behind it is that its course isn’t entirely natural.

There is a legend going around that a long time ago, local people built a dam for a water mill, and every time they built the dam, it was destroyed by the river in springtime. What changed and helped them is that one day, an older woman appeared and told them that the only way to fix this problem was by putting sheep wool between stones. Thanks to her, the waterfalls can be enjoyed until today.

Cijevna waterfalls (Niagara falls), Podgorica, Photo: Miomir Magdevski, CC BY-SA 4.0

What makes this place an awesome outing spot is that in addition to enjoying and swimming in the Cijevna River, you can also try on some good local cuisine in the restaurant right beside the waterfall. Serving popular meals such as lamb under the honeycomb or carp and trout. Make sure to visit it if you find yourself in Podgorica.

Cijevna River Restaurant, Podgorica Photo: Pierre Metivier CC BY-NC 2.0 DEED